Book Boyfriend: 3
John Cole wants to turn his life around after traumatic, drug-related event. He is good looking, popular but quiet. He is protective of his friends and will go out of his way to help them. I also love his ability to see Edie for who she is and what she has overcome. Although we don’t get to know John as well as I would have liked, he is a great friend and partner for Edie.
Strong Female Lead: 5
Edie Millen one of my favorite female characters in a novel. She is a powerhouse that I felt was “normal” and easy to relate to. From her insecurities and weight issues to her outlandish comments and quirky personality, she was unpredictable and a whirlwind of energy and jokes.
Plot: 4
The story starts out with a BANG, literally and figuratively. The reader jumps right in where a convenient store is being held up by a meth-head. The two main characters, both in the store, bond over the traumatic situation. Although both characters suffer from the events that take place, John decides to get his shit together and make a future for himself while Edie goes to the other extreme and seems to go through life without caring about consequences. Throughout the novel, both characters grow and change. Edie becomes more confident in who she is and how she looks. Where before the bullying and comments about her weight affected her, now she isn’t phased by them and in some cases, fights back. John on the other hand, grows in a different way. He has to battle a past of drug dealing and the perception that brings.
Steamy Factor: 2
This novel has its moments but I would definitely not call it steamy at all. The characters have a connection but it is more emotional or mental than physical. She wants to lose her virginity and he volunteers. The first time leaves much to be desired… typical. The big thing I loved is that she is overweight and he helps her overcome her insecurities and feel beautiful in her own skin.

Overall: 4
I really liked this novel and the story it told. I felt a connection with Edie and the obstacles she overcame. The story was well-written and tackled the horrendous effects of drugs. While being a very serious topic and an overwhelming journey for both characters, Kylie Scott adds a great amount of humor that balances the novel. The reason this book did not get five kisses is because of the ending of the book. It was a little underwhelming and pretty abrupt.

I received a Netgalley copy for honest review.

Trust is one of those books that had me commenting out loud. At one point I was giggling the next I was shocked. 

Edie and John go through something something terrible together. It changed both of their lives. I loved the strength that Edie has throughout the story and how she fights for John. I also like how John helps her to stay out of trouble and is there for her. They have an unbreakable bond from going through something nobody else can understand.

Pick up this amazing read today!

3.5 stars

Right from the start this had me hooked, Kylie Scott's writing is so easy to read that I sped through her books. I didn't have any issues with the story, the pacing or even the fact that John was a bit of a player - I did have issues with the amount we had to hear about Edie's size. I'm all for diversity and encouraging authors to write about curvier women but to me, the whole point is defeated when their size is constantly bought up. It gets on my tits and pisses me off. I get it - she's fat/bigger/curvy/rounded - whatever, move on already, that shit is boring. Also, I didn't particularly like Edie. That balance of confidence/not caring what people think wasn't quite right for me and had me disliking her for parts of the story. John, I did like. The mix of man-boy whore and sweet protector didn't quite mesh but still, he had his swoony moments. And as with her other books, the side characters were strong and leave you hoping for their story next.

Overall, enjoyable but felt a little rushed.

I loved the premise of Trust: a traumatic event bringing two unlikely people together and being the catalyst for an introverted young woman to reevaluate her life. Edie starts the book as a social outcast at her private, all-girls school, but after having a gun held to her head and watching people die, things change for her. Edie shares her story with us as she navigates PTSD and the accompanying rage that leads her to a new school and to new friends that help shape the person she finds looking back at her in the mirror every day.

John Cole was in the convenience store with Edie and saves her life. A high school drug dealer, John’s life is also changed in the horrific moments that unfolded that night. He recognized his future when he stared into the eyes of the strung-out drug addict that robbed him of the rest of his childhood.  The connection between Edie and John made sense as they turned to each other for support.

As they hold each other up through sleepless nights and the unrecognizable lives they’re now living, a friendship develops that’s as unlikely as it is delightful. Author Kylie Scott created a fantastic character when she wrote Edie. Raised by a single mom who isn’t around much, Edie would rather be reading than interacting with people. She’s overweight and while she owns her body shape, she’s also very conscious of where being big places her on the social spectrum. She’s snarky and smart and determined to shed her good girl persona because she now knows death can happen at any time. It isn’t surprising when Edie starts to fall for John, who’s as popular as she is socially awkward. What is surprising to Edie is when he starts to return her feelings. Their dance around their burgeoning romance is real and organic and fun, yet doesn’t fall into sappiness or clichés. These two challenge each other even as they’re battling the trauma which has taken over their lives.

Trust bravely takes on some timely subjects like gun violence, body image, bullying, and drug addiction. I was disappointed that as the romance grew between Edie and John, it seemed as though these issues became watered down. I was sad to see the social issues take a backseat to the romance, especially as the romance segued into some very adult love scenes. While the events of that fateful night do eventually rear its ugly head, to me it felt anticlimactic. And, the ending doesn’t feel worthy of the story that preceded it, wrapping everything up in a nice little bow.

So, why 4 stars and not 3? I’ve asked myself this and here’s why: I loved reading this book despite the last 15-20%. The horrible events of the night that brought John and Edie together are gritty and set up a good story. I loved John and Edie. Together and individually they’re great. The supporting cast is fantastic, especially Anders and Hang. They provide some of the best moments of the story, adding a lighthearted feel to an otherwise serious book. I thought the story realistic and timely. It flowed naturally and except for the momentary slip into too descriptive love scenes, I think Trust is a book I’d recommend to any teenager I know.

4 Stars for Trust. Heat level: 3

Wow, this was an amazing read. Emotional rollercoaster filled with fear, hatred, friendship and love.

Edie was the type of girl everyone made fun of, called her names, fat, and just relentlessly teased her. He whole world came to a halt the night she walked into that convenient store. Being held at gun point put a lot of things into perspective for Edie. When staring down a madman, things seem to become crystal clear. Fearing for your life can make a person different. And seeing what she had witnessed will change her life forever.

John Cole was there that night. He knew what happened. He lived it too. And it changed him as well. No longer wanting to live the life he was living, he found solace in Edie. They had a bond that no one could understand. Why would the sexiest boy in school ever be interested in her? That's what everyone kept saying. But Josh's didn't care what they were saying, he just wanted to spend time with Edie. She understood that their life would never be the same and she understood the ramifications of that very night that would haunt and torment them. They found solace in each other. Comfort. Friendship. And a bond that couldn't be broken.

---John Cole was stupidly beautiful, in that he was so beautiful it made me stupid.

---“And hey, Edie?”
I got busy rifling through the contents of my schoolbag. “Hmm?”
“You’re cute when you’re pissed off.”
My head snapped around like the chick from The Exorcist, but he was reading his textbook, not even looking at me. Weird. “Thanks. But I prefer the word fierce."

I very much enjoyed reading this story. It was emotional and very well written. John and Edie were great characters, they had their flaws and survived a horrendous ordeal and came out stronger because of it. I loved watching them deal with what happened, to become stronger, to become MORE than what they were. To build a relationship that they both needed. What they both craved.

With all the drama, you still get sweet moments, tender moments, funny moments, all of it! Well done, Miss Scott, a fantastic read! I loved every word of it!

*thank you to the author and publisher for providing an arc*

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Trust is a gut-wrenching book that takes you on a journey of second chances and changing how people look at you. Kylie Scott nails her first YA book. She keeps you invested in the story and when you think you know what will happen, she changes it just enough to have you second guessing what will happen next. Kylie also does a great job of showing you that when something happens to you that has an impact, everyone will deal with it differently and that you are not alone.

Edie has always been the person left out. Because she is not thin and isn't very out going, she doesn't fit in with the people around her. And on a chance night of stopping at the local store her life will change forever and everything she knew or thought she knew will be spun on its axis.

John has followed in his brother's footsteps of dealing drugs. He is known around town as the go to guy. So one night while making a deal at the local store he is thrown into a situation that will have him rethinking his choices in life.

On that fateful night John saved Edie and now their lives are about to intertwine. While Edie struggles to get through the day and find a friend that won't stab her in the back, John decides to clean up his act and maybe take a chance on his future. The bond that Edie and John have is one that no one understands and when they both find themselves at a cross roads they look towards the other for help.

Edie also can't deny the attraction she feels for John and it's not just because he saved her life that night. As they spend more and more time together, they begin to realize that life is short and that they should try and see what could happen if they let the other one in. But will they be able to start a future together or will the past and others try to keep them apart?

Edie and John's journey is one that will have you step back and see that life is short and you shouldn't waste it, you need to live it.

Brilliant read! Absolutely amazing from start to finish! Highly recommend reading

After experiencing a tragic event, seventeen-year-old Edie's life has done a complete turn around. Being the overweight girl in a private school with a best friend to beat all best friends was an okay existence for Edie. When she is a hostage in an armed robbery things very quickly change. The best friend Edie can't imagine herself without has sold her out to numerous media outlets for the sake of her desire to be an actress- with no regard whatsoever for Edie's feelings. When Edie returns to school the wicked witch of the west- I mean the school bully who of course is thin and beautiful yet has to belittle others to make herself feel better and look powerful. Absolutely fed up and not going to be a victim to pettiness when Edie knows what true fear and intimidation is- she fights back. Convincing her mother to allow her to attend public school was rather difficult, but Edie needs the change.

On the first day who does she almost immediately come in to contact with but none other than John who was also at the convenient store during the robbery and saved Edie's life. Edie is adapting to her new school and a small circle of friends as well as getting to know John. John was the drug dealer and used for people's next fix rather than being seen as an actual person with feelings and interests. The robbery changed John drastically too and he has moved out of his drug dealer home with his brother and moved in with an uncle.

John and Edie's friendship didn't seem forced but was slow and sweet and bonded on a level no one else could touch. I loved their closeness. Obstacles in their blooming romance such as Edie's mother fear of John's past, as well as the kids their own age add to the story greatly. While Edie's side of the story always focused on her size and how she was heavier than everyone else I think it would have greatly added to the story to hear from John at some point. Edie had attracted the attention of other guys so obviously she wasn't as terrible as she either makes herself out to be or how she is portrayed in the book. I choose to think that the mean girls at her old school were rail thin and Edie was normal size and was made to feel bad about herself. Bout again, if John or even Hang added a view point on this it would have been nice.

I enjoyed this story and how John and Edie cope with the aftermath of the robbery, dating and dealing with a mom terrified to let her daughter grow up and then healing once again after a tragedy.

Trust is honestly one of the best books I've read and the fact that this is a new avenue for Kylie is surprising. She perfectly captures the age of discovering who you are all while navigating the social rules of teenage law.

Edie and John become entangled after a night of horrors leaves one teenager dead and another in jail. Having the reality of death shoved in her face, Edie begins to make changes to her life. She's no longer rolling over to the harshities of mean girls. When a change in schools puts her in John's path again she feels drawn to the gorgeous boy who saved her life.

John is the typical bad boy who wants to try to turn himself around after his brush with death. The interaction between him and Edie is magnetic and pulsing. I found myself not only interested in their budding relationship but in their personal journeys of acceptance as well. Watching John struggle to protect Edie from himself while still wanting to be with her was so sweet.

These two have an understanding that we get to discover throughout the story of Trust. Edie has to learn to trust those around her again and finds herself trusting John. While he's trying to trust his new self, she has to navigate the relationships he has with other people in his life. With suspense and mystery tied in with young love, I'm definitely hoping for more YA/new adult from Kylie Scott!!

Kylie Scott has such a unique way about her and she definitely shows that in her writing style. She pulled me in way back when her beloved rocker series, Stage Dive, first came out and I’ve been in love with her and her wittiness ever since. With Trust she took us on a different journey but one I enjoyed no less. It captivated me in its rawness and kept me wanting more. This book is a jewel for any YA fan; it’s adorable but you still get that hot, edgy factor at times…just enough to keep you wanting more. I also connected with the characters rather easily and for me, this is a big plus when reading any genre.

Edie was very relatable. On one side she was your typical, average teenage high school girl, but she also had insecurities (like we all do) and we see how Edie lives with that and ultimately what she does about it after the hostage situation in the very beginning of the book. Edie being in such a dire situation kind of knocked some life back into her; she didn’t want to sit on the side lines and watch life pass her by. She refused to be the victim any longer even if coming out of her shell and standing up for herself scared her…she did it anyway. To me, I think any woman can relate to this whether you’re overweight, underweight, average, etc because we all have some type of insecurity and that makes Kylie Scott pretty damn awesome in my book because she was able to touch so many people with just one amazing character. It’s hard putting yourself out there, esepcially when all you’ve ever done was try so hard to hide yourself away so in my opinion Edie is one of the strongest heroines I know of to date.

“He was beautiful and I . . . I was nothing. An out-of-her-depth girl who wore too much black and feared the bulk of society.”

John had it all. He’s the bad boy who’s trying to be better. The hostage ordeal affected more than just Edie’s life. John was there and he basically saw what his actions were doing potentially doing to others through that entire situation. Being the school drug dealer made him pretty cool with his peers, but after seeing what a junkie would do for drugs or because of drugs, it scared him and he didn’t want that on his hands. So, in a way his life is going opposite of Edie’s. Edie now wants to live a little and not be the shy, hidden away girl and John just wants to settle down and find the straight and narrow. His personality fit really well with Edie’s and I loved seeing them interact, not just on a possible romantic level, but watching them become friends as well. Kylie had me laughing out loud, though because she definitely brought out the “hot” and “romantic” factor in this book and I genuinely loved how she did it: She allowed Edie’s personality shine through!

“John Cole was stupidly beautiful, in that he was so beautiful it made me stupid.”

Their chemistry was good and it fit a YA novel. Kylie gave us romantic situations and aspects, but didn’t make it raunchy, in my opinion. She knows how to stick within the genre she’s writing, but I am amazed at how she can write in multiple ones and succeed. I believe that really says a lot about her as a writer.

I loved this book and enjoyed every minute of reading it. The paced flowed beautifully; nothing felt rushed or too slowed. It kept me intrigued and absorbed the entire time, in true Kylie fashion. I sincerely hope Kylie write many more YA novels in the future because she’s truly amazing at it!

5 - "You're a strange one... And I mean that with great affection." Stars!

Kylie Scott is not a new author to me, but her first foray into what I would call a book in the New Adult genre, was without doubt the best writing I have experienced from her.

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Trust is a book you pick up with one set of expectations, and although they are generally met, the author also fulfilled a completely different set, that I didn’t even realize I had, or wanted to get from a book of this type.

In life unless you’re willing to run away and live in the woods and risk being eaten by bears, some things were just unavoidable…

John and Edie, meet under the most extreme of circumstances, and what starts out as a clumsy friendship built on a bond that no-one else can understand, transforms into something else entirely, as they work through the aftermath of the robbery and the fall-out from it.

"I like you bugging me… I like it a lot."

This isn’t your typical teen-angst ridden, high school story, bad-boy and good-girl do come together, but that’s about as far as the association with books of this genre really ends. I think due to their introduction being of such an extreme nature and the subject matter that the author covers as things progress, was dealt with really well in that it wasn’t over-egged their struggles were genuine and each of them dealt with them in their own way.

"Whatever I have to do… However I need to prove myself to you, I’ll do it."

There is a change as well in that where the one perceived as the bad-influence at the beginning decides to pull their socks up and make something for themselves the other starts to take a stand against the injustices she would have normally let go by.

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Even though the story itself was quite heavy it’s themes, I absolutely got lost in its telling. Kylie Scott hit some sort of higher elemental writing plain, with her telling of Edie and John's story in Trust and I have to reaffirm that it’s the best I have read by her, and I really, really hope she dips her toe back into this genre again. Plenty of scope to give secondary characters from this book their own stories as well in this readers opinion, Anders and Hang immediately spring to mind.

"You’re still my hero."

Outstanding read, unique and original story-line, reading nirvana.

The first chapters are amazing. You won't be able to stop reading. It's is surprising how the most shocking experience of your life, when you are about to die, can be the moment when you meet someone so important for you. Life is weird, I guess.
The plot is really original and refreshing. And I LOVED the couple. By the way, check the book trailer the author posted on her Facebook page. It's fantastic.
I wish Anders and Hang had their own book.

Trust is the story of two people brought together by a harrowing event that changes them both in drastic ways.

This is the first book by Kylie Scott that I’ve read, and I really enjoyed it. The plot definitely dealt with heavier topics – this isn’t a light, sweet young adult read. There’s discussion of violence, bullying, drugs, sex, etc.

The book starts off right away with an event that sucks the reader in immediately. You’re compelled to keep reading by the actions that take place and how the characters react to them.

I found Edie to be an easily relatable character. She’s transformed by the robbery at the convenience store – some things for the better, but others maybe not. I think it is worth mentioning that Scott made it a point to tell the reader the Edie isn’t thin. While bullies call her ‘fat’ and she herself mentions her belly bugle, a size is never mentioned. I think that was smart – because I think it lets the reader decide how they picture Edie, as opposed to being told out right.

John is a complex character who I wanted to know more about. I think his feelings for Edie were so genuine. They bonded over this horrific event they both went through, which I think (obviously) strengthened their connection and relationship.

Both Edie & John mature after the shooting, but still act like the teenagers they are. Yes, experiences mature a person, but time does as well. There were things both of them did that irritated me, but they were just acting like the teenagers that they are.

Kylie Scott is a powerful storyteller, and in writing Trust, she has written an interesting and emotional story with complex and unique characters. If you are looking for a mature, thought provoking twist to your regular young adult books, I recommend you pick this one up.

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Trust is a brilliant coming-of-age young adult novel about two teenagers from very different social groups who would never have become friends -- or more -- if it weren't for the twist of fate that had them in the same place at the same time. Edie and John both survived something beyond scary and tragic. When their paths kept intersecting again and again, a beautiful friendship develops as they both help the other come out the other side of their shared nightmare. And from that beautiful friendship, and even lovelier young romance blossoms.

"Why are you here?"
"Because this is where you are."

Simply beautiful.

This was the first book I've read by Kylie Scott, so I was unfamiliar with her stories. But Edie and John's story -- and the trust they developed in one another and themselves -- is a lesson that will stay in my heart and mind for a long time to come.

I received and advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.

4.25-4.5 STARS

In this latest novel by author Kylie Scott, “Trust” is a YA romance about a very unlikely pair, brought together in the aftermath of a shared traumatic event. It’s thought-provoking and unique, with multi-faceted, charismatic characters that are sure to delight. “Trust” is also a story that drew me in right from the very start and held me captive right up until the very end.

I loved the slow developing “friends-to-lovers” dynamic between John & Edie, and I loved the strength of character exhibited by both. Time and again, Edie exuded confidence in the face of those intent on bringing her down. And unlikely hero, John, was unabashedly drawn to Edie—his attraction towards her developing far beyond the confines of physical attraction alone.

“Trust” is a heart-felt story that shines a spotlight on each of the characters’ vulnerabilities, insecurities and underlying fears and their fierce desire to rise above them. Despite its serious undertone, “Trust” is injected with lighthearted humor throughout, making it a story far less dark than it might otherwise have been.

*** 5 ‘It Keeps Going’ Stars***

I have a bit of a rollercoaster relationship with Ms. Scott’s books. Half of them I’ve loved, the other half it’s been a mixed bag for me, but regardless of the up and down nature of the relationship, I always want to get my hands on whatever she has coming out next and Trust was no exception to the rule. In fact my curiosity was bumped up a notch because she was diving into the YA realm and I wanted to see what she would do with it and I am happy to say that not only did I get totally sucked into the story from the first page and had a hell of a time putting it down, but I loved the direction she took things with John and Edie. Teenage angst and horrible decision making was there, but this YA story stuck to the more adult side of the genre and showed how one incident can bring about a shift in perspective and change a life forever.

It sounds wrong to say this, but I enjoyed watching Edie and John grow from the hellish experience that had them smashing into each others orbits. That one incident changed them both fundamentally, and pushed them out of the teenage zone and into the almost adulthood zone faster, but it took time for them the fully realize it. There was just that thing about Edie that had me connecting with her. She was sassy, a little random and geeky and had an inner strength that she didn’t even realize she had. I loved watching her come into her own and with the help of others, come to terms with what happened and how it affected her. John’s maturity and how perceptive he was, were what had me loving him. True, his previous activities may not have been on the up and up, but he realized he got lucky and wasn’t going to let that chance go.

Their strangers in a fucked up situation to kind of friends to lovers was all I thought it should be. Sounds strange to say, but when you look at how they met and all that happened after, they were fated to collide at some point. There were ups and downs, but nothing OTT angsty and for that I was grateful considering what they had already dealt with. While there was the typical ‘assumptions’ made, the honesty that flowed between them was what had me rooting for them to figure things out and finally be together. But while Edie and John’s relationship is the focus of the book, the other relationships that they build with those around them were just as important to their healing and Edie’s relationship with Hang was fun to watch grow and they had me cracking up with their antics and conversations.

Trust definitely falls on the hit list and I’m quite happy that I took the chance on it, and that I got approved to read it, because Ms. Scott really did a wonderful job with the story. It is very much YA/teenage drama and romance, but there is a maturity to it that made it such a great read. As always, the 1st person POV was done very well and this is one of the few times where I didn’t need another person’s perspective on what was going on. I’m crossing my toes that she’ll be doing more YA in the future because I’ll be right there waiting to snap up the next one!

This book has just stole the title of my best book of the year.
I love the author and after seeing the official video for this I couldn't wait another second to read it.
What a beautiful/emotional story that was truly unique from the start to finish. It was rawness at its best with realistic characters/events and feelings.
It was a very easy gripping story that kept me reading for hours straight as I couldn't put it down.
I feel in love instantly with Edie. She was a slightly overweight 17 year old girl who is just in the wrong place at the wrong time. The author made her very normal and relatable. It was very refreshing reading about a over weight girl and only my 2nd book ever to have a larger girl in it. Her issues, sadness and insecurities about her size were so normal everyday worries that did effect her personality and confidence in the story. She needed a outstanding male character to compliment her and help her through all the sadness and emotions. John was perfect in every way.
Edie and John never should of met but unfortunately they are both in the same convenience store robbery.
After that night both are so lost, confused and trying to work through a million different emotions. John is suffering but Edie is suffering more and needs him. Together they help each other through everything but then emotions get involved and after sleeping together things become complicated.
This is a story of strength and how strong people can be when they feel lost. Nothing about the story felt rushed, it went along at a good speed.
I loved the characters and this story so much that after I finished it I had to 're read it again. Even now after finishing it for the second time I can't get the story or characters out my mind.
Absolutely outstanding book.

FINAL DECISION: Incredibly engaging story that doesn't let up from the first page. I loved that this book felt so real with all the traumas and difficulties of young love and teenage relationships. Edie and John are so sweet and yet their relationship feels authentic even with the incredible drama which moves the plot of this story.

THE STORY: A robbery threatens the life of seventeen year old high school senior Edie Millen. Saved by the actions of John Cole, Edie finds her world turned upside down as she tries cope with the traumatic events of the robbery. Edie becomes more wild, wanting to try things for the first time in response to her near death experience. Leaving her private girls school, Edie comes to the local public high school and finds new friends and John Cole. John and Edie become friends and then things become weird between them as John's offer to help Edie lose her virginity results in emotional turmoil between them.

OPINION: This is a book that grabs the reader from the first page as there is no wait for the action to begin. The scene is raw and scary and emotional. Seeing the events through Edie's eyes made the fear more immediate and thus more enthralling. This book may take place among high school students but it is raw and frightening and doesn't pull its punches. It is also violent in parts.

Edie is the heart and center of this book. And I loved her. She is intelligent, snarky, overweight and insecure, and funny. Even thirty years her senior, I could identify with her character and I had great empathy for her. As she struggles with both the normal crises of high school -- boys, classes and bullies -- she also is dealing with the aftermath of the robbery and that changes her whole perspective on life. And makes her a risk taker when she wasn't one before. Sometimes I find depictions of teenage girls annoying but here she is perfectly balanced in that age of becoming an adult but still making silly choices. And that was one thing I really liked. Both John and Edie are changed by their experience and in that shared experience the two are able to talk through their choices.

John ends up being an incredibly sweet guy. He wants to protect Edie, but he is also willing to allow her to fight her own battles. It was also interesting to see how the robbery changed John's life as well since he has similar but also different battles as result. While we do not get John's point of view during this book, Edie and John talk enough that his perspective is adequately represented in this book.

I really enjoyed the development of the relationship between Edie and John. Their relationship evolves over time and I thought the entire progression was well done. I also liked the complications about sex between these two. There are no sugar sweet glasses in this book. While Edie and John are sweet together, there is also something raw and real about them.

I didn't think I would like this book when I first approached it, but it ended up being really good and I only wish I knew more about what happens between Edie and John in the future.

WORTH MENTIONING: TRUST is a young adult novel with characters ages seventeen and eighteen in high school.

CONNECTED BOOKS: TRUST is a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

I don't regularly read YA novels because they are either a) full of immature characters who remind me why I hated that time period in my life or b) full of characters who aren't yet adults but are far more mature than most adults that I know IRL, therefore making the story unbelievable. Trust falls in neither of those categories. Kylie Scott did a fantastic job of writing characters who were true to their age without being obnoxiously immature and vapid. The story itself was intense and emotional but never felt overwhelming or too far fetched.

I'm a sucker for a good opposites attract storyline. I'm even more of a sucker for a storyline where tragedy brings the most unlikely of characters together through an intense connection. There was just something extremely endearing about Edie and John together. Edie, the awkward, insecure and often bullied good girl and John, the elusive, hot, popular bad boy, bound only through their surviving a robbery gone bad. A relationship born from a need connect with the only other person who could possible understand what the other is going through, that quickly morphs into something more.

Full of angst and emotion, this is a story of falling in love, friendship and coping with tragedy. It's a book that had me glued to my kindle from the first word to the last, stopping only for food and bathroom breaks. This is by far the best YA book I've read in a long time, and definitely makes the list of my favorite books for the year.

*I receive an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review